How iconic is this photo going to be?

Sunday 04 February 2024 18:46

There were smiles all around Old Trafford when Alejandro Garnacho gave Manchester United some breathing space in Sunday's 3-0 win over West Ham United.

The Argentina international would go on to add a third during an impressive display by Erik ten Hag's men, making it three victories out of three in the past week.

However, it was the second goal, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, that sparked a celebration involving Garnacho, first scorer Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo. The trio sat on the advertising hoardings in front of the Stretford End, the way in which Mohammed Kudus marked his strike in the corresponding fixture, the Hammers' 2-0 triumph at the London Stadium before Christmas.

The picture of the three players smiling and enjoying themselves went down well with fans on social media, and the manager approved.

Highlights: United v West Ham Video

Highlights: United v West Ham

Watch the best bits after the Reds welcomed the Hammers to Old Trafford in the Premier League...

"The future for Manchester United is very good because we have so many [young players] with high potential," Ten Hag told BBC. "I think that picture encompasses a lot and, when they are together, that is how we want to play football and with that adventure. They can achieve high levels."

In a separate interview with Sky Sports, the boss was asked if there was something iconic about the celebration, and replied: "It's very good you noticed [my smile]. The goal tells a lot about young players, very young, I would say. But they get used to the Premier League standards, they can do it.

"Every game, it looks like they are growing, they are improving and adapt to a higher level. That is what we need at Manchester United.

"With that celebration, I liked it. It is showing we are doing it [with] togetherness."

Garnacho and Mainoo are both teenagers, of course, while Hojlund celebrated his 21st birthday with the opener in the first half, meaning he has netted in each of his last four outings in the Premier League.

With the likes of Omari Forson and Amad among the substitutes, there is a lot of youthful energy available to the boss.

"They enjoy football," Ten Hag added on BBC Radio 5Live. "They want to win, that is what matters for them, but there is so much dynamic and fluidity in our game. We have to keep this process going."

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